Prefabricated building structure



Jan. 26, 1954 H. s. SHANNON PREFABRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE a sheets-sheet 1 Filed Nov. 16, 1945 29 Ismaentor Cittorneg \\\x\\\\\\i@ W 44 44 Fliy. 2

I'M/POLO S. SHANNON Jan. 26, 1954 H. s. SHANNON PREFLEBRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 16, 1945 Enventor 1949010 6: S/IAMVO/Y Qttomeg Jan. 26, 1954 H. s. SHANNON PREF'ABRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 16, 1945 llllllj 4: vlfllllrllltlll =JW w MY? w a w 6 Jnventor HAROLD S. S/fAN/IOA/ Gttomeg 3nnentor attorney Jan. 26, 1954 H. s. SHANNON PREFABRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed NOV. 16, 1945 Jan. 26, 1954 H. s. SHANNON PREFABRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Nov. 16, 1945 3nnentor AMROZD 6. SAW/170A! (Ittome Jan. 26, 1954- H. s. SHANNON 2,667,241

PREFABRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 16, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 a; as 0/ .99 loo .47 //o //3 r- 2 03 W 3nventor M/POLD S SIM/V170 (Ittorneg Jan. 26, 1 H. s. SHANNON 2,667,241

PREFABRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 16, 1945' a Sheets-Sheet s asgjlvf ig-ae QZ' l 1 Zmnentor HAROZD 6. 566M970 Patented Jan. 26, 1954 PREFABRICATED BUILDING STRUCTURE Harold S. Shannon, Detroit, Mich., assignor to National Steel Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Application November 16, 1945, Serial N 0. 629,084

1 Claim. 1

This invention relates generally to building construction and more particularly to buildings having a modular plan of construction.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide new and improved building structure of the character in which the dimensions of the building elements have a definite, predetermined relationship with respect to a modular plan of construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide building structure including a plurality of novel studs of a structural character such that they may be used singly or be combined in various ways to satisfy all of the studding requirements of a building.

Another object of the invention is to provide for flexibility of arrangement and construction of paneled partitions in a building constructed on a modular plan.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and novel building stud, constructed to readily cooperate in joining interior and exterior Wall panels and also in joining interior walls.

Other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying eight sheets of drawings in which:

Figure l is a floor plan View of a building showing exterior and interior walls arranged in accordance with a modular plan of construction 7 and embodying features of the invention;

Figure 2 is a horizontal cross sectional view of two combinable, similar building studs, shown separated, used in the building of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of two combinable, dissimilar building studs for a corner of an interior wall of the building of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view of the building of Figure 1 showing the studding and paneling of exterior and interior walls with respect to the modular plan;

Figure 5 is a cross sectional view of the pair of similar studs of Figure 2, taken along the line 55 of Figure 13, showing the two similar studs in their relative positions when forming part of an interior wall;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a type of stud used singly at a room corner;

Figure 7 is a plan view of another type of corner stud;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary cross sectional view of interior wall paneling and a pair of combined studs of a different form;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken along the line 99 of Figure 8, showing how the combined stud of Figure bottom thereof;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary elevational view partly broken away and in section of an interior wall panel structure including a two-part stud of the type shown in Figures 2 and 5;

Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view of the interior wall, taken along the line and in the direction of the arrows llll of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is a vertical sectional view of the panel structure for an exterior wall;

Figure 13 is a view similar to Figure 10 showing one of the studs in side elevation with the panels removed;

Figure 14 is a vertical sectional view of an interior wall and stud, taken along the line I 4l4 of Figure 13;

Figure 15 is a vertical sectional view of a stud and supporting structure for an exterior wall;

Figure 16 is an interior perspective View of a corner structure shown partly broken away and in section;

8 is secured at top and Figure 17 is a View similar to Figure 4 showing 1 a modified form of building structure;

Figures 18 and 19 are enlarged fragmentary sectional views of detail structure of the building of Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a vertical sectional view of an interior wall of the building of Figure 17; 7

Figures 21, 22 and 23 are fragmentary perspective views showing details of panel attaching means, and

Figure 24 is a plan view showing one of the panel fasteners detached from its cooperating fastening elements on the panels.

Referring to the drawings by characters of reference and first to Figure 1, the modular plan is illustrated by the dividing of a given area, depending upon the size of the building, into a number of equal squares or whole parts thereof by horizontal and perpendicular lines. These squares are hereinafter referred to as modules and the lines, designated ML, as module lines. In the present instance, the outer peripheral modular lines are coincident with the inner wall surfaces of exterior walls ll of the building. The inner wall surfaces of exterior walls II are covered by panels and connecting studs, which are hereinafter described in detail and the area therewithin is divided into the desired number and size rooms by interior walls or partitions such as those designated generally by the numerals I 2, l3 and I 4, see Figure 4. As shown in the drawings, the interior walls or partitions l2,

l3 and I 4 are located so that vertical medial planes thereof are coincident with selected module lines. With particular reference to Figures 1 to 15 inclusive, the building includes a floor l5 and a ceiling 16, the ceiling l6 being a predetermined height from the floor and being supported by the exterior walls I l of the building. The inner surfaces ll) of the exterior walls II are covered by a plurality of panels ll each of which preferably comprises an external sheet of a suitable heat and sound insulating material i8 which may be cemented or otherwise suitably secured to. the outer surface of a finishpanel l9 and. the interior walls are formed by panels IT" which may be the same in construction.andsize-as thev exterior wall panels ll.

All of the studs along exterior walls H are 56- cured at top and bottom to metallic securingstrips 20 which in turn are respectively secured to the floor I5 and to the ceiling 16, see Figures 12 and.

15. These strips 2!! are provided with longitudinally extending outturned flanges 2i having flange portions 22 thereof bent at substantially right angles to. provide good-seating surfaces for engaging thev inner. surfaces of the exterior walls It, coincident with the outer lines of the modular plan. Inturned upper and lower flanges 23 respectivelyof. the. upper andlower strips. 20 seat against; the flooror ceilingas the case may be and may be apertured to receive woodiscrews for securing thestrips 2B thereto.

In order to-reduce the cost of studfabrication and alseato facilitate erection of the building structure, I provide three different types of studs or panel connectors designated generally by the numerals 2s, 25=and 25, see Figured. These studs are. so formed and: constructed that they may be employed singly in certain locations and combined in various waysfor use in other locationsto'provide all, the. necessary studding for a building without reworking any of the parts on th -job or at the site of erection of the building. Referring first to the stud 26, this stud may be used-singly, for example, at the corner of a room where adjacent exterior walls l l form a substantially 90 interior corner. as seen-at the lower left inFigure i. The stud 24 is-preferably formed of sheet steel for strength and durability-and is an elongated strip-like member to extend vertically between thefloor i5. and the ceiling 15 of the building. As seen in cross section,the stud2 l has a stepped wall including a centrally disposed angle portion 21, the sides of which are substantially normal to each other teforma corner and provide abutment surfaces 2-1 for side edges of adj acent'panels l1. Flanges28 bent so that they are normal tov adjacent abutment surfaces 2? of the angle. portionizl; provideseating surfaces respectively for side portions of the. adjacent corner forming panels ll. The'fianges 28 are spaced from the respective parallel abutment surfaces 21 so-that the depthsof the abutment surfaces on shoulders 2-1 arezequa-l. to the widths of the panels 11-, thus; providing a stud presenting two relatively right. angled tongues to permit the panel: edges tosmeetin aneat' appearing corner construction. Further, the. flanges 28 are each reverselyi bent in spaced relation thereto, as

shown, to provide seating flanges 29 for seating against the exterior wall inner surfaces It, coincident with the intersecting module lines. As

shownmore clearlyin-Figure 16, thestud flanges:

projects th'ere'above" to receive self-threading screws 30 which screw into the securing strips 20 to secure the stud thereto. Similarly, th lower end of the stud (not shown) may have an extended angle portion for securing the stud at its lower end to the floor strip 20. The stud flanges 28 and th panels I! are provided with aligning apertures to receive self-threading screws 3! to secure the panels'to the studs;

Referringnow to thestud 25, this stud is used singly at a corner of the building where two adjacent exterior walls come together to form a substantially 270 interior corner, as seen at the lower right of Figure 4. The corner stud 25 includes. an elongated metallic stud member or backingstri'p 257 of: angle form having substantially relatively perpendicular sides 3| extending between. the floor I5, and the ceiling l6. Outer side edge portions 32 of the stud sides 3| are reverse'lyrbent back in spaced relation respectively to the outer or adjacent surfaces of the sides 3| to seat against inner. surfacesof.theexterior walls I l and thus coincide with: the outer module lines. Secured to the-inner surfaces of the stud member sides M at topand bottom thereof is ananglelike metallic strap 33-,- see. Figure 7, providing oifset, upper and lower extended end portions for the stud member 25.. Between the inner ends of the extension members 33 extends a strip 3 of board-like sound and heat insulating material and the straps-33- and insulation board 3 3 are covered'by a woodenfinish panel strip. 35. The insulation panel 34-, and. the finish board 35 are, like the metallic stud memberzc, of angular cross section. fitting complementary to each otherwith the terminal edges thereof spaced from the side edges of the metallic. stud member to provide seating surfaces-for sideborderportions of adjacent panels H. The straps 33 have inturned flanges 36 arranged with the edgesthereof abutting the stud sides 3! Where the parts may be welded'together'. The. finish panel 35 and insulation board 34 are rnade substantially th same width and are arranged to.-provide flush edges for opposed relation with side edges of adjacent panels ll. The sum' of. the thickness of the finish panel 35 and'the width of the strap flanges'tii is equal to the thickness of the adjacent wall panel ll so that a continuous unbroken inner wall surface is provided. Screws, such as those shown and designated 38, Figure 12, may be provided to secure the adjacent panels 11 to the exposed side edge'portionsof the metallic stud member 25; or, the parts may be secured together by any other suitable means.

The third'type of stud, designated generally by the numeral 26, comprises. an elongated metallic stud member it; upper'an'd lower metallic extensions' or straps M; a sound and heat insulating strip 42' and a finish stud panel strip :3. The length of the metallic:stud member 46 is made such that when erected; its upper and lower ends will be spacedrespectively from the upper and lower securing; strips 25, but the metallic straps ll and thefinish panel strip E3 project'beyond the ends: of. member it to' overlie the: upper and lower securing strips!!! where they are apertured to receive. screws #3; see Figure. 15, for. securing the stud to the strips 20. Longitudinal edge portions of the stud member 49 areinturned, as at t l, in spaced relation thereto to provide seating surfaces for seating against the inner surface of exterior Wall l'l coincidenta'with thevouter module line. As shown in Figures Land 5 the stud member 48 is; wider than. the; straps M, insulation board-4'2 and strip finish' panel 43,-the edges of which terminate flush with each other inwardly of the side edges of the stud member 40 to leave seating surfaces for side edge portions of adjacent panels H. The straps 4! are provided with inturned reinforcing side flanges which abut the inner surface of stud members 40 where the parts may be welded or otherwise suitably secured together. This stud member 26 provides what may be termed a double joint since the insulation strip 42, straps 4| and finish panel 43 space adjacent edges of panels I! apart forming two joints at the stud. In accordance with my modular plan, the widths of the strip 42, straps 4| and finish strip 43 are equal to each other and in this instance, are equal to twice the distance from the inner surface of the exterior wall II to the inner surface of the panels I I to provide for uniformity of partition panel widths and flexibility of locating and relocating interior walls or partitions. All of the studs of the type of studs 25 and 25 or those studs which are constructed of several parts comprising a metallic backing strip, upper and lower metallic straps, filler insulation and finish board, are constructed to provide for vertically adjusting the position of the metallic backing strip relative to the finish strip so that the screw holes in the backing strip can be properly aligned with the screw holes in the finish panels IT or in the finish panel ll, as the case may be. To this end, the straps or offset metallie extensions 4| of Figures 14 and 15, for example, are provided with vertically elongated clearance apertures to receive the screws 43 thus permittin vertical adjustment of the backing member 4t, straps M and insulation 42 as a unitary structure, it being understood that the finish panel 43 is secured to the other stud parts only by the clamping actions of the screws 43'. Thus, the backin member 40 can be vertically adjusted relative to the finish strip until the screw holes in the backing member properly align with corresponding screw holes in the panels after which screws 38 are tightened and screws 43 are tightened to secure the stud parts together and to the top and bottom securing strips 20.

Where the interior wall or partition I2 formed by panels ll joins to the exterior wall paneling i'i, two of the stepped wall studs 24 are combined as a double stud, designated generally by the numeral 45, of a character presenting seating surfaces and abutments for the paneling I I of the interior walls, as well as for adjacent panels ll of the exterior wall II. These two studs 24 are arranged with the outer faces of a pair of corresponding reversely bent flanges 29 in abutting relation, the other corresponding reversely bent flanges 29 being spaced apart and seating against the inner surface of the exterior wall I I, coincident with the outer module line. In accordance with my modular plan, with reference to the double stud 45, the distance from either of the abutment shoulders or opposed surfaces 2'! to the parallel module line in the vertical medial plane of partition I2 is equal to the distance from the inner surface of exterior wall II to the inner surface of the panels I1. In other words, the distance between the abutment surfaces 27' is equal to the width of the partition I2, providing for the use of panels of equal widths and thickness for both the exterior wall I I and the partition I2 provided that the so-called double joint paneling system is used throughout the entire length of the partition.

Another form of studding, designated generally by the numeral 41, comprises two 'of the studs 26 which together may be used for securing thereto intermediate panels of the interior wall or partition 12 or panels other than the corner panels of a room. The studs 26 are arranged such that corresponding inturned flanges 44 thereof are in abutting relation with each other, the flange surfaces abutting in the medial plane of the partition or coincident with the module line thereof. The sum of the thicknesses of the insulation strip 42 and finish panel 43 is equal to the thickness of the similarly constructed panels [1 to provide a smooth unbroken wall surface. The construction of stud member 26 makin it possible to combine a pair of them to provide stud structure 47 also adds to the flexibility of the arrangement of the building partitions in that one of the parts or studs of the stud structure 47 may be replaced by the stud structure 45, for example, to erect an additional wall (not shown) normal to wall I2 or the entire stud 41 may be replaced by two of the studs to erect walls extending from and joining opposite sides of wall I2.

In Figures 8 and 9, there is shown another type of studding to provide a single panel joint. This studding comprises a pair of elongated metallic members 48 having abutting inturned side flanges 49 which are arranged to abut on the module line or medial plane of the partition. At top and bottom, the stud members 48 have upper and lower extended portions 58 apertured to receive screws for securing the stud to floor and ceiling securing strips 65 which are arranged in planular relationship with the partition I2. It will be seen that if the width of the panel is increased, a stud of the type of one of the studs of stud structure 48 may be used in place of one of the members of stud 41, thus providing difierent paneling arrangement on opposite sides of the partition I2 with single panel joints on one side and double panel joints on the other. Also if desired, the entire double stud of Figure 8 could be substituted for stud 4'! to provide single joint panelin on both sides of the partition.

Where interior wall I2 joins another interior wall I 3, which is parallel to interior wall I I, there is a stud structure 53 comprising the stud 45 and the stud 26 combined. Another type of studding, as at 54, is had by combining stud 2d and stud 25 for a corner formed by interior walls, such as the walls i3 and I4. In addition, where a wall terminates intermediate or spaced from other walls as does interior wall I4, or where the wall terminates at a doorway or arch, a terminating or end stud structure 55 is provided. This terminal stud structure 55 is similar to stud structure 41 in comprising a pair of metallic stud members 56 having inturned, side edge abutting flanges 51, arranged to abut in a vertical plane coincident with a selected module line. This stud structure 55, like the stud of Figures 8 and 9 is provided with upper and lower extended end portions where the stud structure is secured to the upper and lower channels preferably by self-threading screws. The stud structure is arranged to extend partly between the panels Ii, the outer end portion of the'stud structure being covered by a terminal section of U-shape cross section preferably formed by a pair of panels 59. These panels 59 may be of L-shaped cross section having laterally extended portions 55 forming an end wall with opposed abutting edges forming a joint along the end of the wall, the inner corresponding side edges of the panels abutting the opposed side edges of the panel I'I'.

accuser:

Counter-sunk.screws suchzasthe screws 38 used tosecure panels II in place,.Figure 12, may be used to secure the terminal paneling 59 and the stud structure 55 together. In accordance with the modular plan, the widths of. the terminal panels 59 are made-equal to the thickness of the partition. It will now be seen that by using the three studs 24, 25 and 26 singly in certain locations and by combining them in various ways in other locations, as above pointed out, all of the studding requirements: of a building are met.

The width of the'panels IT and I1 satisfy the formula .WzmM-T. In this formula W is the width of the panel I? or II and m is a whole number representing the number of modules between'transverse module lines adjacent the opposite sides of the panel and'passing through the studs at the opposite sides of. the panel. The thickness of the partition is represented by T and M is the distance between adjacent module lines- 4 For thepanels. of partition. I2; :c:3 and 1' and in the interior partitionof the exterior walls, a: for panels I! equals 1, 2 and 3. These panels have a variety of widths but the. width of each satisfies the formula, :rM.-T.

Referring now more particularly to Figure 15, showing a vertical sectional view of exterior wall paneling taken through stud 25, the upper and lower metallic straps or extensions 2!, as in the case of stud 2.5, are provided with slots therethrough which align with apertures in the finish panels 4'3'to receive screws 43' which screw into threaded apertures inthe supporting strips 29 to secure the studs thereto. As previously mentioned, the slotted apertures in the straps 4i permit vertical adjustment of the metallic stud member 4'3 for properly aligning its screw holes with corresponding screw holes in the finish panels. The screw holes in the finish panels 43 are preferably countersunk so that the heads of screws 35 will be flush or a little below the surface of the panel and these screws are preferably covered by suitable upper and lower trim moldings 62 and 53 respectively. As shown in Figure lithe studs of the interior walls or partitions are secured at their upper and lower ends to the channel-like anchor members 65' which in turn are secured respectively to the floor and ceiling by screws 65. These channel-like members E5 are arranged such that the vertical medial planes thereof coincide with selected module lines.

In paneling a room, the upper and lower stud supporting strips and stud supporting channels 65 may first besecuredto the floor and ceiling. The supporting strips 2?: for the exterior walls I I are positioned such that their vertically bentportions 22 seat: against the inner surlace of the exterior wall II, thus coinciding with the module line or a vertical plane coincident therewith. Studs 24, 25 and 26 and $5 are then located in the desired places along the exterior wall II and in relation to the modulelines extending perjpendicular to the wall. For example, corner stud 2 3 may be erected and be secured at top and bottom thereof to the upper and lowersecuring strips 20 by the self-threading screws 3i), Figure 16. When this stud 24 is secured in place, it will be seen, Figure 4;, that its reversely bent flanges 2% seat respectively against the two wall surfaces at the corner of the room and that the outer surfaces of these reversely bent flanges 25 are coincident respectively with the intersecting module lines. Next; the doublestud. 45, formed by two of. the. corner: studs; 24' may; be: erected, it being understood that' this. ty-peof stud, will beused wherever" it. is desired to; erect. an. interior wall.

the other correspondingreversely bent flanges engage each other in thevertical plane of or coincident with a module line extending vertically from the exterior wall. Thetwo studsZ Z, like the corner stud, Figure 16, have" upper and lower extended ang-le portions 27 where they are secured by self-threading screws 30 to the upper and lower exterior'wall panel securing strips 22 and to the upper and lower partition securing stripsiiii.

The-angle-like. 'stud25, carrying insulation and finishstrip panels. 34 and 35 respectively may be readily erected and secured. inplace as a unitary structure, the reversely bent flanges '32- thereof seating againstthe inner wall surfaces of the corner walls II. Thistype of. stud structure isconstructedv similarly to the stud structure of Figures ll to 15 inclusive, the finish board 35 and metallic straps 33 extending beyond the P upper and lower ends of stud member sides tI and apertured to receive: self-threading screws which screw into the upper and lower securing stripsZfl to secure the stud thereto. Inthis form, the stud structure25 comprises the angle metallic member 25, the'insulation board 35-, the metallic'straps 33-and-the finish panel 35. which are secured together and to the securing strips 2i! by the stud securing screws 43'. V

The provision of stud 26 adds to the flexibility of partition. arrangement to the building. The finish board' 43- extends respectively above and below the upper and lower ends of the metallic stud member 26where it is apertured to receive screws for securing the stud structure to the upper and lower' securing strips 20 for exterior wall paneling and to the securing strips 65 for partition. paneling. These types of stud members 25, 26 and also stud structures 45, 41, 53 and 54', provide what may be termed double panel joints and stud 26 can be replaced by a stud, such as stud structure 45,.if it is desired to erect a partition at this location. With the various exterior wall studs 24, 25, 26 and 45 secured in place, the panels I! can now be readily erected and secured to the studs by screws 38 or 3|, which screw-thread. into themetallic members of the studs, Figures 10 or. 16, to secure the panels thereto.

In the erection of interior walls or partitions,

such as for: example, the partition i3, a module line isselected, depending upon the. desired size of the rooms,and the partition. I3 is erected such that its vertical. medial plane will coincide'with the selected module line. Such partition I2 is to be erected, a three piece combination stud 53 is employed, comprising'two of the stud members 24 together with one of the-studs 26. The panels I'I' may then. be applied to complete wall I3 on opposite sides-thereof, and the panels may be secured by. screws to -thestuds.

By reason of the present modular plan. ofbuilding erection and the particular construction and location of the studs, the length of the partition I2, i. e. the distance from the inner paneled surface of exterior wall- II to the inner paneled surface of interior wall I3, will equal XML- 1. In thisformula, M. equals the distance between the module lines, X equals the number of modules between. the. module... line, at. surface III and the module line forming thecenter. line of partition l3 and T equals the thickness of the partition which is also equal to the widths of the stud panels which provide the double panel joints. Intermediate the exterior wall paneling and the parallel partition I3, one or more of the studs 41, depending upon the length of the partition, may be erected to provide additional support for the paneling. Where the panels ll of rooms on opposite sides of the partition 12 are to be of the same width, two of the studs 26 may be combined to provide a double stud, designated generally by the numeral 41 which, of course, provides for double panel joints at the studs. The partition I2 is located such that its vertical medial plane coincides with a desired module line and the stud 41 is located centrally thereof with respect to transverse planes coincident with module lines. As above mentioned, the widths of the insulation and finish board of the studs 26 are made equal to the width of the partition whereby the total of the widths of all of the panels l1 equal XM-TY where M is the distance between module lines, X equals the number of modules between module lines located within the partitions between which partition l2 runs, '1 is the thickness of the partition and Y the number of panels in the partition. As shown in Figure 4, the studs 26 are arranged with their corresponding reversely bent flanges in relatively abutting relation, spacing the panels apart and providing seating surfaces for adjacent panels I? which are secured thereto by screws.

At the corner formed by the partitions l3 and 14, the studding includes corner stud 25 and corner stud 24 arranged with their corresponding reversely bent flanges in abutting relation to space the paneling of the two walls, as well as provide a rigid stud to which the panels may be secured. Partition l4, like parallel partition I2, is located such that its vertical medial plane coincides with a module line and the surfaces of the stud reversely bent flanges contact each other in a plane coincident with the module lines. Thus, the length of partition l3, if double joints are used, equals XMT and the width of each of the panels equal where Y equals the number of panels in the partition and X equals the number of modules between the module lines located within the partitions at the ends of partition l3 providing the panels are of equal width. The insulation and finish board of the stud member 25 extend above and below the metallic part of the stud where they are apertured to receive screws for securing the stud to the ceiling and floor securing members 65. The central angle portion of the stud 24 extends above and below the flanges thereof to receive self-threading screws 30, as shown in Figure 16, for securing this part of the two-part stud to the stud securing members 65 located along the floor and ceiling.

The wall or partition I4 is shown terminating 'at what may be a doorway or arch and at this location, the stud 55 is erected. "This stud 55 is provided with upper and lower extended end portions for securing the stud by screws to the ceiling and floor securing members 65 in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 14. Where a different paneling arrangement is desired on one side of a partition then on the other, the type of two-part stud shown in Figure 9 may be .ggl alpres .E. gramme, 91 g pfilies st ds 48 may be substituted for one of the stud members 26 of stud 47 with the result that double joint paneling at the stud would be had on one side of partition and single joint paneling on the other or double and single joint paneling can be had on the same side of the partition, as desired. This, of course, entails the use of two different width panels but provides for variation and flexibility of partition paneling.

Referring now to the modified form of building structure shown in Figures 17 to 24 inclusive, the numeral "iii designates generally an exterior wall of a building and the numerals H and i2 respectively designate generally the floor and ceiling, respectively, of a room of the building, see Figure 20. Secured to the floor H by nails, screws or any other suitable means is a plurality of end to end aligned retainer channels it which are disposed against the inner surface of the exterior wall it with their side reinforcing flanges extending upwardly. Similar, channel retainer members are secured to the ceiling 12 against the inner surface of the exterior wall it with the channel flange extending downwardly in vertical aligned relation to the upwardly extending channel flanges on the floor I I.

This building structure, like the previously described structure, is laid out on a modular plan represented in Figure 17 of the drawings by the horizontally extending, equally spaced parallel lines l6 intersecting the perpendicular and equal- 1y spaced parallel lines ll dividing the area within the exterior walls l8 into a predetermined number of equal squares, the squares being herein referred to as modules and the intersecting lines as module lines. Also, as in the previously described building, the inner wall surfaces of exterior walls l0 coincide with a selected horizontal module line and the outer flanges of th upper and lower retainer channels are also coincident with the same horizontal module line.

Stud 0r fastener members 18 have upper and lower end portions respectively held in the upper and lower retainer channels 13, 75, the stud fastener members 18 preferably being metallic, elongated channel-like members to extend from the bottom wall of the lower retainer channels 13 upwardly into the upper retainer channels 15. As shown in Figure 24, the studs or fastener members 18 each comprise a vertical, flat wall portion 19 from which extend converging sides Bil having oppositely directed outturned flanges 3| reversely bent with edge portions 82 thereof extending in converging relation into the channel-like fastener member. The inturned converging flange portions 82 are provided to receive therebetween the side flanges 83 a pair of angle clip members 84 which are in part frictionally held in place by the tensioned force of the flange portions 82. Each of the finish panels, designated by the numeral 85, is provided with a pair of clip members 84, located and extending along each side of a panel adjacent the longitudinal edges thereof, and located on the same and inner side of the panel. A flange 86 of the angle members 84 may be secured, such as by screws, to a finish panel and arranged such that the other flange 83 of the angle member extends perpendicular to the panel surface with the outer surface of flange 83 preferably flush with the side edge of the panel. Each of the flanges 83 is preferably indented at spaced intervals along its length to provide a plurality of slightly extended surface portions 88 which are located so as to catch behind the edgesof the 'for the locations of transversely or perpendicular to the exterior Wall 'The area within the exterior walls 19 may be divided into a number of rooms 99, 9| by interior walls or paneled partitions designated generally by thenumerals 92, 93 and 94, see Figure 17. As is more clearly shown in Figures 21 and 22, the interior walls '92, '93 and 9d each include a pair of stud retainer channels 95, 96 seating on and secured to the floor H with the channel flanges extending upwardly. These channels 95, st preferably extend the width or length of the room, "as the case may be, with adjacent opposed side surfaces of the channels in abutting relation with each other and arranged in accordance with the modular plan such that the contacting flange surfaces of the channels are coincident with module line, as seen in Figure 1'7. In other words, the interior walls 92 93 and -94 are erected such that the vertical medial planes thereof respectively coincide with the module lines chosen the interior walls or partitions. Likewise located, with respect to the chosen module lines is a pair of parallel channel members 91, 99 secured to the ceiling 12, Figures 20, 21, with the relatively parallel flanges extending downwardly. These upper channels 9?, 8 the lower channels 9 5, 9%, and the upper and lower retainers 13, 15 of the exterior wall panel ing are all alike so as to reduce manufacturing cost and facilitate shipping and assembly of the structural parts of the building. The studs or fasteners 18 are retained at their upper and lower'ends in the upper and lower retainer chan nels but may be shifted along in the channels for adjustment purposes. These fasteners l8 and the cooperating fastener members 84 are the same in form and construction as the fasteners previously described in connection with the paneling .of the exterior walls "i8.

At the corners of the rooms, see Figure 1'7, preferably rounded finish panels '39 are provided and arranged such that the room wall corner surface is convexly curved and each finish panel is preferably provided with an outer metallic reinforcing panel illi! having its side edges terminating at the studs. Where the interior wall 92 joins the paneling of exterior wall '39 and the paneling of interior wall 93, panel studs or fasteners l8, 8G connecting the rounded corner panels 99 to the adjacent panels of wall 9'2 are oppositely disposed or aligned in the same plane, as seen in Figure 17. However, the intermediate studs or fasteners 18, as shown in Figures 17 and 19, may bearranged, if desired, in staggered relation to each other to provide for different paneling arrangement on opposite sides of the partition. This requires the use of panels of different width in the construction of the partition or wall 92.

In the interior wall 93, a door IE2 may be provided having metallic, frame or trim members 103, [0,4 secured to adjacent panels by means of the studs and clip members 18, 84. These side frame members I93, [E34 are preferably constructed of sheet steel having a front finish wall or trim facing I65 and a spaced rear wall or facing I06 having inturned spaced flanges lfifl. The rear facing wall I96 of the frame member is? seats against the end edges of the rounded corner panels 99 at the exterior wall, whereas the rear wall facing ms of re o 16 inclu iv the frame member 184 seats against the end edges of one of the partition panels :95, and against the edge of the partition rounded panel 99. Panel fastening clips .84 carried by and secured respectively :to' the rounded corner panels 99 and to the :inturned flanges .lll-I of the frame members snap into the studs or fastener it to secure the corner panels 99 and --door frame member M3 together. :Similarly, clips :84 carried :by and secured to inturned flanges m of the door frame member ltd and by the adjacent side edges of the partition panel 85 snap into the oppositely disposed studs tor fasteners 78 to secure the door frame members [.04 :to :the partition 93.

In Figure 18, there is shown a construction in which a vdoor H9 is located in a partitionon each side of and adjacent to a joining partition, designated generally by the numeral 1 ll. this instance, a pair of .door frame members 1 I52 have rear facing walls H3 seating respectively against the end edges .of the rounded corner panels .of the partition Iii and also seat respectively against opposite edges of a wall finish panel 115. Studs or fastener members "18 have their upp r and lcwer ends held in retainer channels :95, 9.6 at the :floor and ceiling respectiuely. The rounded corner panels 99, door frame members 112 and finish panel 115 carry clips 3d .cocperable with the fasteners 18 to secure the parts of the structure together.

Referring now to the partition :95, this pantie ion t rminate such a at anarchway, in a ounded nd w ll section, designated generally y the num r 4 it, ee Fi ure 11?. The terminal p t ti n ;.s ctlon He is of general ll-shape r s ction including an outer finish panel ill h vin t si e e es abut ing respectively he e d s of adjacent panels :85, Secured to the finish panel I ll 1 an inn r metallic reinforcing l er .8 0f ge e a .1 ell-shape havin a 'reverselr bent cent a port on 1.20 provid ng an end wall l2! e ,S QrsQlY to th part. ion 5& Welded or ei lei is s cu ed to thistransrerse wall 121 is a air of t e panel fas ner clips at coop rat ing with a stud or fastener 18 disposed ithin the U-shaped partition section H6. The terminal stud l8 may have its wall i9 welded or otherwise secured at top and bottom to the ends of the flo r and c iling cha nels :95, 5.6.

the above described modification, the dista ce from the exterior wall 113 module line to the inner surface of "the exterior wall panels is equal to one-half the thickness of the interior Walls 0r partiti ns 92., 83 and as; Also, the dist nce f om th inner surface of the exterior wall anel o those ed es of the rounded comer panels 99 which are parallel to'the exterior wall mo u e line equa ta one-half the thicknes of he int r or allsfionseou ntly, the ov rall e h of th par itions cf this si le ioint paneln sys em be exp essed by the formula XM-T previously mentionedin connection with double joint paneling of the construction of Fig.-

Thus th two forms of e nt on have in comm n, amon other n s, that th ength o th parti ion is equal to I M- W e X s a y le number which expresses th number 9 m dules between module ines oca d ith the partitions between which the partition in question extends, M is the distance between module lines and T is the thickness of the partition.

I claim: 7

In a building construction having a pair of exterior walls joining at a corner, the exterior walls each having an inner wall surface, one stepped stud member at the corner, an interior panel for each of the exterior walls and seating on said one stud member, the said one stud member ha ing seating surfaces coplanar with and engaging the respective inner wall surfaces and having stepped seating surfaces positioning the inner surfaces of the interior panels a predetermined distance from the respective inner wall surfaces of the exterior walls and. spacing each of the adjacent lateral edges of the interior panels from the opposite inner wall surface a distance equal to said predetermined distance, a partition extending in a direction normal to one of the exterior walls, the partition including oppositely spaced apart panels extending inwardly from said one exterior wall, a pair of stepped stud members similar to the one stud member arranged back to back each with a seating surface coplanar with and engaging the inner wall surface of said one exterior wall, adjacent interior panels for said one exterior wall seating on stepped seating surfaces of the pair of stud members, the last mentioned interior panels being positioned with their inner surfaces spaced inwardly from the inner surface said predetermined distance and with their opposed edges spaced apart a distance equal to twice said predetermined distance, and the oppositely spaced apart partition panels seating on the pair of stud members, the pair of stud members including stepped seating surfaces spacing apart the partition panels a distance such that the thickness of the partition is twice said predetermined distance and positioning the adjacent side edges of the partition panels coplanar with inner surfaces of the last mentioned interior panels, said one stud member and said pair of stud members all being similarly stepped.

HAROLD S. SHANNON.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,857,490 Barrett May 10, 1932 1,876,198 Bemis Sept. 6, 1932 1,984,781 Bemis Dec. 18, 1934 1,992,054 Brown et a1 Feb. 19, 1935 2,017,441 Kotrbaty Oct. 15, 1935 2,117,934 Bemis May 17, 1938 2,134,389 Gessler Oct. 25, 1938 2,178,817 Small Nov. 7, 1939 2,187,148 Fisher Jan. 16, 1940 2,217,184 Rugg et a1 Oct. 8, 1940 2,412,404 Jackson Dec. 10, 1946 2,438,428 Birdsall Mar. 23, 1948 OTHER REFERENCES The Evolving House, vol, III, Bemis-published by Technology Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts1936-pages 177 and 530. 

